For more than half a century, Josephine County has been contesting with an “unprotected” or underserved area lacking structural fire services. This area, covering between 250 to 350 square miles, is a mix of densely populated lots and rural, forested properties outside Grants Pass. Residents and travelers along major highways like Interstate 5, Highway 199, and Highway 238 rely on fire protection to address frequent accidents and increasing fire risks. However, the county’s fire protection strategy is now under scrutiny due to the recent actions of the County Commissioners and the ongoing debate over a new fire district.
Since 1978, a private fire service provider, has filled the gap in this unprotected area, operating under a subscription model. The company’s services are critical to the community, offering professional firefighting with limited resources. Yet, unlike public firefighters, Rural Metro’s employees do not receive the same benefits, such as access to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), which further complicates the long-term viability of private fire service in the area. Rural Metro’s 46-year history has seen the company rise to support not just the unprotected area but neighboring districts like Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Wolf Creek, and more, through mutual aid agreements.
Chief Turnbull, who retired in 2023, envisioned transitioning this private service into a publicly funded fire district. His dream, however, remains unfulfilled. While Rural Metro’s efforts are appreciated, firefighting services nationwide are seen as cost centers, not profit generators, which raises concerns about the sustainability of relying on private companies for such essential services.
Fast forward to 2023, and the County Commissioners, led by Herman Baertschiger, are pushing for the formation of a new fire district. Baertschiger has been vocal about his belief in starting small, claiming that past efforts to form a district were derailed by “special interest groups” demanding Cadillac-level services. However, critics argue that this version of events ignores key details.
After a devastating fire in Hugo in 2019, a group of citizens, working with the commissioners, developed a comprehensive plan for a new fire district. This group consulted with experts and completed a two-year study, but Baertschiger opposed their recommendations, instead hiring an independent firm for further analysis. The county spent $50,000 on a report, which also supported the formation of a district. Still, Baertschiger delayed action, resisting efforts to place the measure on the ballot until public pressure mounted.
In May 2021, a fire district measure was put to voters, which proposed contracting Rural Metro to provide services during the district’s start-up phase. This would have maintained the current level of fire protection and facilitated a smooth transition from private to public control. However, Baertschiger, along with allies John West and Ron Smith, campaigned against the proposal, calling it a “money grab.” West and Smith ran misleading ads and spread misinformation, stoking fears about increased taxes and loss of control.
Ultimately, the fire district measure failed by a narrow margin, leaving the area once again without a long-term solution. Critics believe that Baertschiger’s personal vendetta against Rural Metro played a significant role in the defeat of the measure. Meanwhile, another private company, who’s allegedly backed by Baertschiger, was operating in the Merlin area during the campaign. This company, which lacked the necessary certifications and qualifications, struggled to extinguish fires, leading homeowners to call on Rural Metro for assistance.
With the failure of the fire district measure, Josephine County’s fire protection remains in limbo. A key concern raised by residents is the potential decline in ISO ratings (Insurance Services Office), which affect homeowners’ insurance rates. Currently, residents in the unprotected area benefit from an ISO rating of 4, thanks to Rural Metro. However, if Baertschiger’s proposed volunteer fire department is formed, experts warn that the ISO rating could drop to 8 or even 10, leading to skyrocketing insurance premiums and, in some cases, loss of coverage altogether. The community is already feeling the impact of the state’s recent fire hazard map, which has prompted some insurers to drop customers.
Further complicating matters, Josephine County’s commissioners have attempted to alter local codes to meet state requirements for development permits. Baertschiger and West tried to leverage the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to satisfy Title 19 of the Josephine County Code, which governs development in fire-prone areas. However, their efforts were rebuffed after a legal appeal with the state’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).
In the coming weeks, the commissioners will hold the first public hearing on the newly proposed fire district. While some see this as a necessary step, many are wary of the commissioners’ involvement in the process. A critical aspect of this new fire district will be the election of fire board members. If Baertschiger’s allies are elected, they could implement his vision of a volunteer-run fire department, potentially putting the county’s fire protection—and residents’ safety—at risk.
Residents are urged to stay informed and consider supporting candidates for the fire board who prioritize a responsible transition from private to public fire service. This election will be crucial in ensuring that the residents of Josephine County receive the fire protection they need, not only in the unprotected areas but across the entire county. The choices made now will have lasting consequences for the safety and security of the community.
As Josephine County continues to grow, its residents face an undeniable need for reliable, sustainable fire protection. The commissioners’ decision to pursue a fire district—while long overdue—must be handled with care, ensuring that those tasked with shaping its future are guided by expertise and the best interests of the community, not personal grudges or political maneuvering. Josephine County deserves better fire protection—now, and for the future.
